Course Content
By the end of this course, you will be able to explain the passive design principles that most strongly influence NatHERS star ratings and residential energy performance. You will understand how to apply orientation, zoning, glazing, shading, and thermal mass strategies for different Australian climate conditions. You will also be able to interpret NatHERS modelling outputs, identify common compliance risks, and improve the accuracy of simulation inputs and documentation. The course will help you evaluate heating and cooling load caps under NCC 2022 and NCC 2025 requirements while understanding the role of Whole of Home assessments. You will gain practical insights from real world case studies to support better design decisions, stronger compliance outcomes, and higher performing residential projects.
Learning Outcomes
This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.
This CPD provides general guidance on professional responsibilities and documentation practices. It does not constitute legal advice or replace project-specific contractual or statutory obligations.
Compliance and Accreditation
|
Framework/Body |
Relevant Sections |
Focus Areas |
|
National Construction Code (NCC 2022 & NCC 2025) |
Volume Two Energy Efficiency Provisions; NCC 2022 Section 13; NCC 2025 Housing Provisions Part H6; Whole-of-Home pathway; climate-specific heating and cooling load caps |
Passive solar design, thermal performance, glazing and shading compliance, NatHERS verification pathway, conditioned vs unconditioned zoning, airtightness, energy efficiency strategy integration |
|
NatHERS Protocols |
NatHERS accredited software modelling requirements; thermal load calculations; star rating methodology; MJ/m² load assessment; modelling verification and certificate accuracy |
Orientation modelling, glazing inputs, shading geometry, thermal mass simulation, zoning classifications, modelling accuracy, compliance risk identification |
|
ABSA CPD Competency Area |
Thermal performance assessment; NatHERS software application; residential energy efficiency assessment; compliance verification |
Passive design optimisation, NatHERS assessment methodology, certificate accuracy, compliance documentation, interpreting modelling outputs |
|
Building Designers |
Concept design and passive design integration; climate-responsive residential design; NCC energy efficiency compliance |
Orientation strategy, zoning layouts, glazing selection, shading geometry, thermal comfort outcomes, residential compliance pathways |
|
NSCA 2021 (Architects) |
PC18, PC24, PC28, PC31, PC33 |
PC18 applies because the course focuses on refining and evaluating passive design strategies such as orientation, glazing, shading, and thermal mass to improve residential building performance outcomes. PC24 is relevant due to the analysis of design options and trade-offs in response to climate, compliance, and performance objectives within NatHERS and NCC frameworks. PC28 strongly aligns with the course’s emphasis on building sciences, thermal performance, environmental design principles, and the interaction between passive systems and occupant comfort. PC31 is directly addressed through the course’s focus on energy efficiency, reduced heating and cooling loads, Whole-of-Home performance, and environmentally sustainable residential design. PC33 is relevant because the course examines the integration and modelling of sustainable environmental systems, including thermal performance, glazing behaviour, shading systems, and passive energy management strategies within NatHERS software environments. |
|
Engineers Australia (Stage 2) |
Sustainable building systems; building physics; environmental performance analysis; risk and systems integration |
Thermal performance analysis, building envelope optimisation, passive environmental systems, energy modelling interpretation |
|
Licensed Builders (State CPD) |
NCC residential energy efficiency obligations; construction detailing affecting thermal performance; airtightness and insulation continuity |
Buildability of passive design measures, thermal bridging awareness, insulation installation quality, shading implementation, compliance outcomes |
|
Building Surveyors |
NatHERS certificate verification; NCC compliance assessment; load cap compliance review; documentation verification |
Compliance auditing, energy efficiency assessment review, certificate accuracy, performance pathway validation |
|
Urban Planners & Landscape Architects |
Climate-responsive site planning; solar access and orientation considerations; environmental sustainability integration |
Site orientation, solar access protection, passive environmental planning, shading from landscape elements |
This session is designed for
Energy Assessors
Architects
Building Designers
Residential Builders
Building Surveyors
What’s Included
This course explores practical passive design methods that help residential projects achieve stronger NatHERS results across different Australian climate zones. Participants will learn how design choices such as building orientation, glazing placement, shading systems, and thermal mass influence indoor comfort and energy efficiency. The course also explains how NatHERS software evaluates thermal performance and highlights common issues that can affect compliance outcomes. Real project examples are used to demonstrate how thoughtful design adjustments can improve star ratings while remaining cost effective. It is intended for professionals involved in residential energy assessments, architectural design, and NCC compliance documentation.
Why Take This CPD Session?
Stay up to date with the latest NCC 2022 and NCC 2025 energy efficiency requirements affecting residential projects across Australia.
Learn practical passive design strategies that improve NatHERS performance, reduce compliance risks, and enhance thermal comfort outcomes.
Gain real world insights into modelling, documentation, and design decision making that support more efficient and cost effective residential buildings.
Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.